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New York Historical Launches Literary Series for US 250th Anniversary

cultural-heritage · 2026-08-10

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, The New York Historical has unveiled a new literary series titled 'The Story of America in 7 Books.' Kicking off this fall, the series will feature monthly discussions led by Joseph Luzzi, the Asher B. Edelman Professor of Literature at Bard, who will delve into the historical narratives found in the 'Great American Novel,' ranging from Moby-Dick to The Great Gatsby. Louise Mirrer, the president and CEO of The New York Historical, highlighted the series' importance, asserting that the 'Great American Novel' embodies the ultimate literary challenge—capturing the complex essence of a nation in one definitive story. This initiative is part of a larger effort to engage the public in exploring American history through literature.

Key facts

  • The New York Historical launches 'The Story of America in 7 Books' literary series.
  • The series is part of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
  • Joseph Luzzi, Asher B. Edelman Professor of Literature at Bard, will lead monthly conversations.
  • The series begins this fall.
  • Conversations will explore history depicted in the 'Great American Novel', including works like Moby-Dick and The Great Gatsby.
  • Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of The New York Historical, made a statement about the series.
  • The series aims to define the essence of the nation through literature.

Entities

Artists

  • Joseph Luzzi

Institutions

  • The New York Historical
  • Bard

Locations

  • New York
  • United States

Sources